Tempting the Earl

by Wendy May Andrews

  Emily protested. "No, no, Lady Arabella, I truly am happy for you. I like hearing all about it."

  "Well, I'm done talking about it for now, but I cannot promise I shall stay silent on the matter for the entire evening," she declared in good humor. "However, I have missed you; tell me what is new with you. I have been so caught up in my private business that it is as though I have been sequestered. Tell me all of the goings-on about town"

  With that the two girls launched into a delightful conversation about all and sundry until the entertainment began. After that they mingled with the other guests and did not have a chance to speak again for the rest of the evening. Lord Brooke had arrived, and Lady Arabella was very much occupied.

  Lord Philip had observed the interaction between Emily and her friend. He considered all he had gleaned from his time spent with many of the young ladies of his society, and he realized that Emily was unique among the young women. He could see that she was genuinely happy for her friend as she learned of her betrothal. He had seen a darker emotion flit across her face, but he knew she really enjoyed the company of the other young lady and was glad for her happiness. As he stood there mulling the matter over in his mind, he realized that, although he was sure that he and Emily agreed on many subjects, there were so many things he did not know about her. They only discussed subjects of interest to him when they conversed. He truly had no idea what Emily wanted from life. She was obviously hiding her past; maybe she wanted her life to remain the way it was as his mother's companion. He reflected on how she had run away after that kiss; she was obviously frightened of her own feelings.

  He resolved to hold off declaring his intentions until such time as she felt more comfortable around him and he really knew what she wanted. He did not want her to marry him out of a sense of obligation. He marveled at the change in himself; he was already thinking of her feelings over his own. He really was turning into a moon calf like everyone else who got struck by love, he thought in selfmockery, as he went to procure her a glass of punch.

  The next day the countess and Emily slept late and had a quiet afternoon in anticipation of the grand ball they were to attend that evening. Preparations started early, as they wanted to look their very best for what was expected to be one of the biggest events of the Season. It wasn't every day a duke's daughter was presented to Society, and everyone wanted to join in the festivities. Lady Clara lent Emily the use of Smitty to set and style her hair for a truly glamorous look. Emily and the countess then spent the late afternoon giggling and gossiping together as they prepared for the evening to come.

  At one point Lord Philip happened by the door to his mother's room and heard the peals of laughter emitting from within. He shook his head in amusement, happy to see his mother so joyous and youthful-sounding. It had been a long time since he had seen her so happy, and he was glad for the change, knowing it was Emily's presence that had brought it about. He was determined to find out that night how his mother felt about her companion joining the family on a more permanent basis. He did not think she would mind, since he had a feeling that was what she had been hinting at for weeks now. But at that moment he decided he would leave the ladies to their feminine enjoyment of the day-enough time for serious considerations later.

  All the preparations were worth the effort as the countess and her young companion descended the grand staircase together to meet the earl as he waited for them. He was full of admiration for the beauty before him. The countess was looking radiant in her gracefully aging beauty. The family rubies glistened around her neck and were reflected in the deep burgundy hues of her gown. Emily, youthful beauty personified, was dressed in a gown of deceptive simplicity with a necklace of pearls encircling her slender neck.

  "I shall be the envy of every man at the ball when I enter with the two of you on my arms," complimented the earl gallantly as he helped them on with their wraps and escorted them to the waiting carriage.

  In the carriage, as Emily belatedly recalled that at such a large gathering ones such as Lady Merrivale would be in attendance and might renew the speculation about her, her anticipation was dampened by trepidation. She hesitated to voice her concerns to her companions, but they must have sensed her disquietude, since they both applied themselves to allaying her fears. She was soon distracted by Lord Philip's witty repartee and Lady Clara's jests, and before long they were deposited in front of the imposing edifice that was the London residence of the Duke of York. Emily, with a supreme effort of will, managed to keep her chin from dropping in awe. Although she had seen the huge but graceful building before, it truly sparkled this evening. The glow of the lanterns cast an extra special luminousness to the evening as myriad candles shone through every window to light up the entire street. It was clear that no expense had been spared for this special evening.

  As the three stood waiting in the reception line, Emily's fears threatened to resurface, but she put a brave face on for the sake of her friends. They soon came to the front of the line, and introductions were performed. Emily took an instant liking to the young lady being introduced to Society, and the two girls struck up a brief conversation. Others were waiting, and they had to move on, but the girls promised to meet again later in the evening.

  As they descended the grand staircase into the massive ballroom, there was a momentary hush as the last notes the band was playing drew to a close. It seemed like a magical moment that would be burned into Emily's memory forever as she looked out into the crowds gathered to wish the duke's daughter well as she made her official bow to society. Emily realized this moment epitomized all that the Season offered. Thousands of candles twinkled above the fashionable heads, sparkling off the myriad of jewels and gems arraying the noble guests. There was a heady combination of perfumes from the elegant floral arrangements placed strategically about the room and the soaps and sprays used by the beautiful people squeezing into the cramped quarters. As the Earl and Countess of Yorkleigh began to descend the staircase with their companion, familiar faces became visible among the throngs of people. Emily could see that all her friends were present, and she had many people she wished to speak with before the end of the ball.

  After that the evening flew by in a pleasurable blur for Emily. There was never a moment to herself as she was whirled through every dance with a different partner for each one. As soon as they had reached the bottom of the ornate staircase, the talkative Lord Marsden had grabbed Emily's hand and swung her into a vigorous dance. As that song ended, Lord Garfield bowed over her hand and whirled her through the turns of a county song, only to pass her over to Lord Sutherland. Emily enjoyed the respite, as it was a slower number and Lord Sutherland a restful partner. She quietly asked him about the plans he and Miss Jane Waddell were making. He stammered out an answer before handing her over to Lord Brooke, who was really longing to be with Emily's dear friend Lady Arabella but due to appearances could not be in her pocket the entire evening. Emily took that knowledge in stride and was happy to join Lord Brooke and Arabella after the dance was over as they refreshed themselves with a sip of punch. After a few moments the enamoured young couple again took to the floor, leaving Emily to chat with Lord Brooke's sister, Lady Thorpe. Emily was happy to see her, as they had not yet met up during the rounds of the Season.

  "We have only recently arrived in town, Miss Spencer," Lady Thorpe responded when Emily commented that she had not yet seen the couple at the other fashionable gatherings.

  "Oh, welcome to London, then," Emily said with a grin. Lady Thorpe smiled back enthusiastically. "We had such fun at Rosemount that my husband really wanted to come up for the Season. We took your suggestion and traveled up with most of our household" Lady Thorpe laughed as she related the cavalcade they had made up as they clattered into the city with their multiple carriages and outriders. "The children and their nurse and governess had one carriage, Lord Thorpe and I had another, and our personal servants were bringing up the rear with all the trunks and baggage. We must have been quite a sight"


  Emily laughed good-naturedly along with her aristocratic friend before the lady continued. "You were right, Miss Spencer, we are having a grand time. I can spend time with the children during the day and then go out in the evening with my husband. The children are a bit young to really appreciate most of the sights of London, but they are still caught up in the excitement of the change"

  The two women chatted pleasantly for a few more minutes. Before another gentleman arrived to claim her hand for the next number, Emily promised to come by to meet the children one day that week.

  Her pleasure was marred only briefly when she came face to face with Lady Merrivale, and her deepest dreads were fulfilled as the old woman said not unpleasantly, "I haven't figured it out, but I will!"

  The young gentleman Emily was with turned to her questioningly. "What was that all about?" Emily was successful in hiding her distress. She just shrugged her shoulders and said disarmingly, "The poor dear thinks I look familiar, but she can't place whom I remind her of. It seems to be driving her to distraction." Emily even managed to muster up an unconcerned laugh, and the incident was allowed to pass, although there were times throughout the remainder of the evening that she could feel the lady's gaze following her. Emily was determined not to let her fears mar her enjoyment of the evening, but it was disquieting despite her best efforts.

  Her joy reached new heights as Philip appeared to claim her for the waltz before leading her in to supper. He took her into his arms, and it felt like coming home. They progressed down the dance floor in the now-familiar steps, both lost in the beauty of the moment. No words were needed as they each sensed the other's need to simply savor the experience. When the music drew to a close, it was almost painful to come back to earth. They were happy it was the supper song, and they went in to dine, striking up a conversation about all and sundry.

  They were never at a loss for things to say to each other, and this was no exception as they filled their plates and looked around for somewhere to sit. They were surprised to see a pleasant-looking Lady Maude beckoning them to join her and a gentleman they did not know.

  "My lord, Miss Spencer, let me make you known to Sir Humphries. He's temporarily in town from his estate in Yorkshire" Lady Maude actually had a genuine smile upon her face and seemed truly happy to see them as they approached.

  Philip and Emily exchanged surprised looks. Wellversed in the social niceties, Philip stepped forward with an outstretched hand. "Good to meet you, Sir Humphries." Emily was almost shocked by the transformation of Lady Maude and was curious to know what had taken place.

  "Please, join us for a repast," invited Sir Humphries pleasantly.

  Although they each secretly wished to spend the time privately together, they accepted the unexpected request with good grace. They spent an enjoyable interlude conversing with Maude and her friend before slipping back to the dance floor as the band struck up another waltz.

  Philip reluctantly returned Emily to his mother at the end of that song, only to have her hand claimed by yet another suitor. Emily was laughing and breathless when she again returned to Lady Clara and was surprised when Lord Philip claimed her hand for an unprecedented third dance.

  "My lord, people will talk," Emily cautioned.

  "Let them," was Philip's reply as he swept her into the rhythm of the dance. He had had enough of standing on the sidelines, watching jealously while she whirled about the dance floor in the arms of other men. He might not be prepared to declare himself just yet, but he was determined that enough was enough for that evening.

  Emily didn't put forth any further protest, as she could not find it in herself to mind, although she did notice a few curious stares from the gossips who kept track of such things as well as some jealous glares from other women who had had their eye on the handsome earl. Emily decided she didn't care, at least for this one evening. Every girl should get a magical evening at least once in her young life, she thought, and this seemed like the perfect one to be hers. She might actually dance a hole right through her pretty slippers, she mused in amazement. She had always thought that was just an expression.

  "What has you smiling so mysteriously, Miss Spencer?" Philip asked teasingly.

  Emily laughed joyously and shook her head. "I'm just having a good time, my lord"

  "I'm glad, Emily," he replied gently as he looked tenderly into her eyes.

  The gracefulness of their steps drew many eyes as they swayed together in harmony. Lady Merrivale's eyes were sharp upon them again in open speculation. Philip and Emily were too caught up in their own bliss to notice the old busybody approaching Lady Eastwick, who was also watching them closely with a look of concentration upon her face.

  "Lady Eastwick," barked Lady Merrivale, "I see you are watching Yorkleigh dancing with that girl too. I know I have seen her face before, and I just cannot quite put my finger on where. Have you been able to ferret it out?"

  "No, Mildred, I have not. I feel as I know her from somewhere, but I am sure I never met her before the house party we attended last summer at Rosemount. She is so young; I don't know how I could have met her before"

  Lady Merrivale continued gazing at the couple while musing aloud. "Do you think she is some relation to Yorkleigh? No, that is not possible. If she was a relative, they wouldn't be so tight-lipped about her history. Perhaps she was born on the wrong side of the blanket, and she resembles one of her parents" Her face brightened perceptibly at that idea. "That has to be it, Eastwick. Think back about twenty years-were there any scandals of that sort?"

  Lady Eastwick laughed good-naturedly. "My dear Lady Merrivale, there are always scandals of that sort. That will not help us narrow it down much. But you are right to think back twenty years, which would be about the time she was born. That was just a couple of years after I married my viscount," reminisced the viscountess mistily. "I shall think on it some more. Perhaps you should come for tea tomorrow, my lady, and we can mull it over at length"

  "I shall do that. It is driving me mad, trying to determine how I know this chit," grumbled Lady Merrivale, more determined than ever to unravel the mystery.

  Blissfully unaware of the speculation of the two notorious gossips, Emily sighed happily as Philip escorted her back to the countess. She was glad to have a moment to sit down and rest her feet while the earl went to fetch the two ladies glasses of the now-tepid punch.

  "You seem to be having a good time, my dear," commented the countess.

  "I am having a glorious time, Lady Clara. I hope you have been too. I'm sorry to have left you to your own devices for so long. I hope you have been well occupied," Emily replied contritely. "Although, wasn't that the Earl of Vale I just saw walking away as I was approaching?" Emily questioned teasingly.

  "I, too, have been having a grand time," replied Clara uninformatively. "Don't you worry about me, my dear. While I may not be able to dance the night away as you seem to be doing, I am holding my own. You are not the only one who has collected some beaux," declared the countess with a shyly proud smile. "Although, I do think it shall be time to take our leave shortly."

  "That's fine; I think I am pretty much danced out anyway. I never would have thought I would say that, but it's true," Emily said with a smile. Taking the countess' hand warmly into her own, Emily continued, "Have I thanked you lately for all you have done for me, my lady? I truly do appreciate it."

  "No thanks necessary, Emily. It is truly mutual. It makes me feel young to watch you enjoying the Season" The two women shared a warm, companionable silence watching the mingling crowds as they awaited the earl's return. Then the three of them slowly extricated themselves from the thinning crowds and made their way to the waiting carriage.

  By the time the trio arrived home, Emily was wilting with fatigue. She quickly said her good nights and made her way up to her chamber. She could barely stay upright long enough to disrobe and put her things away. She had considered leaving her clothes until the next day, but her time as a maid had trained her well; h
er conscience would not allow her to leave her gown in a heap. She was already sleeping by the time her head hit the pillow with a smile upon her face as she relived the evening in her dreams.

  Meanwhile, Lord Philip asked the countess to join him for a nightcap in the library before retiring. Lady Clara was delighted to comply. It was so rare these days that she had the opportunity to share a tete a tete with her son, she was not going to pass up the occasion, despite the lateness of the hour.

  Philip kindled the fire in the grate of the library hearth to ward off the chill in the air while his mother took a seat in one of the comfortable wing chairs that flanked it. He then poured them each a drink.

  Lady Clara was intrigued. "What is it, Philip?" she questioned gently. "You seem almost nervous to talk to me. What could possibly be on your mind that you would be shy about discussing with me?"

  Philip took a deep breath before plunging right into the matter at hand. "I have developed very deep feelings for your companion, Miss Spencer, and I would like to know if you would oppose the match," he said in a rush.

  Lady Clara blinked at her son for a moment before letting out a trill of delighted laughter. "Why would I ever oppose the match, my dear? Miss Spencer is one of the dearest girls I have ever met. I will miss her as my companion, but I'm sure she will make a delightful daughter. I have actually been hoping you were headed in that direction. I have seen the two of you exchanging looks over the past few weeks and have been holding my breath waiting for you to realize how you feel. I have often despaired of your ever finding someone you cared about as your father and I cared for each other. It would make me very happy to support a match between you and Emily."

  Philip laughed with relief before dropping into the chair across from the countess. "Really, Mama, you wouldn't mind? What do you think my father would have to say on the matter? Father was always going on about good blood"